Oscar Wilde said, “The best way to make a child good is to make them happy.” There are many things that go along with that quote. Making a child happy is not just giving them what they want but also provide what they need. In education, we know that a student who is hungry struggles to learn; tired struggles to learn; anxious struggles to learn. Outside of the typical woes of a teenager, worrying because living situations is one that we sometimes forget. As educators, we care about our students but often do not know what we can do or how to help. This is where The Bridge program comes in. 

    The Bridge is a mentoring program with the primary goal of providing academic support services to remove barriers to success for students in foster or kinship care or experiencing homelessness. (www.mission.org) There are many things that students in these situations may face and Erika Martinez, our Bridge representative is here to help in any way she can. 

    Instead of simply telling you about the program and what it does, I would like to tell you what we have witnessed since the program has been at Putnam Career and Technical Center. From the students that have been enrolled in the program, I have seen the needs of students range from gas money, cap-n-gown for graduation, clothes, boots for the workplace, learner’s permit and driver’s license, to snacks and simply needing someone to listen. Once, a boy was having trouble with transportation for work and they were able to provide him with a bicycle. This young man was so apprehensive that I began to see a new, improved side of him. Being enrolled in this program has helped students with other barriers as well and this has improved attendance, grades, and self-confidence. 

    This past Christmas, I was hit with so many emotions witnessing what the Bridge program can do and the reaction and appreciation from the students. The Bridge was able to provide the students with stocking stuffers and a few presents. Some of the reactions provoked an immense emotional response seeing the genuine appreciating from students and knowing that, for some, this was all they were going to receive. Because of their happiness and realizing that they are card for, many students have completely turned around failing academics, self-care and personal hygiene, and some even have future education plan where they once said they wouldn’t. 

    Erika Martines and the Bridge have been an amazing inspiration and has I am in awe of their accomplishments. I have seen first hand what this program and making a child happy can do. In this case, making a child happy is making them feel a little less insecure about the financial and emotional struggles they face. I often see a former student that used to be in the program. Every time I see him, he asks about Erika and want me to tell he thank you for everything and that she made a big difference in his life. The impact that Erika and the Bridge has on these students is beyond positive and I just don’t have enough room to express everything. Thank you, Erika Martines and The Bridge, for the support and opportunities that you have given our students.